Hello again,

I recently attempted to do an owner assisted oil change on a new-to-me 182B at the local on-field maintenance shop. Unfortunately due to an unexpected backlog at the maintenance shop + my work schedule I was not able to be present for the oil+filter change and got charged $700+, including almost $600 for labor. This is about double what I got quoted, no explanation given for the extra charges.

Of course, I realize I can do this myself as a certificated pilot, but having zero experience with safety wire for the oil filter, I wanted to be shown the proper way to do it. Well, it appears that I'll be on my own. Luckily the motor has a quick drain so only the screw-on type oil filter needs the safety wire.

Can anyone link me to the best set of safety wires to purchase, and also is there any kind of "practice kit" that can be purchased? I do not have a hangar or shop of my own where I can fabricate a practice kit. Also I assume I will need some kind of toqure wrench to properly tighten the filter. Any recommendations on that appreciated too.

Thanks in advance.

Any of the safety wire pliers out there work.
I have a cheap-o set and a nice pair from Milbar. For occasional use like oil filters, they perform the same.
There are tons of youtube videos out there on twisting wire.
You'll want 0.030 wire. A spool will last you a lifetime of oil changes and practice combined.

For practice, grab something with a hole in it and start twisting wire
Best advice is, cut off more wire than you think you'll need.

No torque wrench for the filter. Read the directions but most say spin until touching the surface and then a 1/2 turn more or something to that affect. Instructions will be on the box when you buy it.

I would practice my technique on the doors of that shop....

They must have charged by the screw to take the cowling off... I know on my 182A there are about nine hundred and thirty six billion little phillips head screws...

Learn to do as much as you can, and get a mechanic that is willing to help you while you learn. A good, honest mechanic is invaluable while owning a vintage aircraft.

Dean Showalter has an excellent safety wire course online at aircraft owner maintenance dot com.

http://airplaneownermaintenance.com/

Great resource for this have a look.

I think his podcast and web site are excellent.

Are you paying the bill? I'd be asking for the manager and demanding an itemized list.

While owner/pilots are authorized to do some preventive maintenance, the performance standards for the maintenance they are authorized to do is just the same as it is for that work when done by a certificated mechanic. Because of that, I would recommend you find somebody that will show you how to do it. That person may be another owner/operator of a similar aircraft. But the idea of practicing safety wiring on some random item is not of nearly the value as having some instruction and oversight, even if the task is the same practice item.

And remember that the performance rules for the work you do on an airplane include required logbook entries, which you are required to sign off as the responsible party.

No way it should cost that much!

Flying Dave wrote:I would practice my technique on the doors of that shop....

Amen!!!!

John

It appears that you are in Anchorage. Try to search the local social pages for an enlisted aircraft maintenance technician at elmendorf. While they are truly trained in a single specialty they are all trained on basic tools and I will guarantee they all know how to use safety wire pliers stc. I would first search for a “crew chief” as they are your all around people. Finding someone willing to help won’t be difficult. As for a location you don’t need much room to learn this task. CAUTION: they are not trained to be A&P’s

EAA's website has a LOT of great wire safetying videos in their "Hints for Homebuilders" section, but I think you'll have to be a member to enjoy that content.

The FAA's AC 43 13 1B, Section 7-122 covers wire safety tying very well. This is technical reading so you have to put your mind in that mode to get through it if you're going to start doing some of your own maintenance.

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43.13-1B_w-chg1.pdf

If you're accustomed to doing maintenance on your own vehicles and power equipment then you are a step ahead. If you are outraged (and you should be at that price) enough to take this on and you don't normally do this kind of work, an alternate A&P may be a better way to go. Sometimes you get hit like this as a sign he wants you to go down the road anyway.

One thing to have close on hand when you start practicing with safety wire is a box of band aids.

good information in a downloadable document from the FAA. Pages 2-54 trough 2-57 in amt_airframe_hb_vol_1.pdf

That is the Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook-Airframe, Vol 1. There is the second volume also available from the FAA web site.

There is a lot of information you can get at that site, it is free all you have to do is download the material.

BTW, this is not rocket science, remember the wire needs to be in a position that is under tension if the fixture tries to loosen. Get it looked at by a competent person when you think it is correct.

As stated before err on having the wires long as you learn, have band aids and take your time.

Second all the previous posts. Here is how they have you practice in school:





Remember to keep the cutting edge on the pliers away from the wire when twisting. You remember quick when you get to the end of wiring three nuts together and the wire breaks because you nicked it...

Flying Dave wrote:I would practice my technique on the doors of that shop....

I'd practice on the jaw of the shop owner after I was done breaking it. Freaking absurd. You should demand an explanation and a substantial refund.

I am in your area. PM sent

Aviation is about attention to detail, and safety wiring is no exception:
https://www.avweb.com/uncategorized/wire-chafing-checks-recommended-after-emb-175-crew-briefly-loses-pitch-control/

Mind the pigtails!